As the title suggests, I’m looking for a bass amp for my DB that’ll fit in my backpack/ over my shoulder if there’s a case. I take the subway to almost all my gigs, so I’d prefer something light weight. I’m planning on buying a nice pre amp, hence the low budget for the actual amp. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks!
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Double Bass Bass amp for Backpack ~$100
- Thread starter bkbassbruv
- Start date
I use a Roland Micro Cube Bass RX combo amp (4 x 4" speakers) It weighs 15 pounds and works on either an AC power brick or on 6 AA batteries (for me, for ~10 to ~20 hours depending on use). I've used it in acoustic settings at venues inside and outside with good success, it puts out good volume for a small amp. I usually elevate it at least at waist level.
(These have been discontinued, but are still available online used.)
I bought this heavy duty day pack for it, which works very nicely (this item is also discontinued but similar are available online.)
The biggest problem I have is resisting temptation to put more into the day pack, there's lots of space.
(These have been discontinued, but are still available online used.)
I bought this heavy duty day pack for it, which works very nicely (this item is also discontinued but similar are available online.)
The biggest problem I have is resisting temptation to put more into the day pack, there's lots of space.
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I’ve been using a tiny darkglass M200 amp that I got for $200 fed by a grace Felix, with the overdrive (first two knobs) completely off. Sounds funny but it works. Powers a GR 112 cab. Are you looking for a head or a combo? I’m a bit confused by your price point. The least expensive micro-heads are probably TC electronic thrust or Trace Elliott elf at maybe 250 used.
Welcome to Talkbass! It sounds like you are looking for a Combo vs. Amp head, and it's going to be hard to find one that sounds good and is loud enough for $100.
I also picked up a Darkglass Microtubes 200W when they were on sale for $199, but that sale ended; then they offered the Alpha Omega 200W for $199, but that sale ended, too. Now both are back at $399. Then you need a suitable cabinet go with it....
I haven't tried the Roland/Boss combos, like the one posted above, but that would probably be closest to your budget. If you can stretch that budget, Phil Jones indeed makes some of the best "Small" combos. I have a 35W NanoX4 on my desk (usually streaming audio from my laptop via Bluetooth), and the new BG-80 Double Four Plus, which fits nicely in an XL camera case:
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ba...nes-double-four.1277535/page-28#post-28944400
You'd probably want to go at least BG-80 (or equivalent), as the NanoX4 is nice, but might not be loud enough. You could use your pre-amp with these as well as most combos/amps.
Good luck with your quest!
I also picked up a Darkglass Microtubes 200W when they were on sale for $199, but that sale ended; then they offered the Alpha Omega 200W for $199, but that sale ended, too. Now both are back at $399. Then you need a suitable cabinet go with it....
I haven't tried the Roland/Boss combos, like the one posted above, but that would probably be closest to your budget. If you can stretch that budget, Phil Jones indeed makes some of the best "Small" combos. I have a 35W NanoX4 on my desk (usually streaming audio from my laptop via Bluetooth), and the new BG-80 Double Four Plus, which fits nicely in an XL camera case:
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ba...nes-double-four.1277535/page-28#post-28944400
You'd probably want to go at least BG-80 (or equivalent), as the NanoX4 is nice, but might not be loud enough. You could use your pre-amp with these as well as most combos/amps.
Good luck with your quest!
Hi! Some years ago I bought an amazon padded backpack for photographers for 30 bucks and I put inside a first version Acoustic Image Upshot cabinet and a Warwick Gnome head (because this has >5 Mohn impedance input so I don't need other externals preamp or impedance adapters and...it costs 145 bucks in Europe, maybe less in the U.S.A). This system work perfectly and there is also some room for cables, jack, rosin, and maybe a shirt in the backpack. It's perfect for travelling light with double bass and the sound is awesome for little/medium gigs without P.A but also as reference monitor in theaters and clubs with P.A.
Here there is a video of the Upshot where you can appreciate his portability:
Here there is a video of the Upshot where you can appreciate his portability:
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We have a saying here in our quest for small combos:
“Lightweight, sounds good, cheap. Pick any two.”
If it’s lightweight and sounds good, it won’t be cheap.
If it sounds good and it’s cheap, it won’t be lightweight.
If it’s cheap and lightweight, it won’t be good.
So which are you willing to sacrifice?
“Lightweight, sounds good, cheap. Pick any two.”
If it’s lightweight and sounds good, it won’t be cheap.
If it sounds good and it’s cheap, it won’t be lightweight.
If it’s cheap and lightweight, it won’t be good.
So which are you willing to sacrifice?
What kind of backpack do you have?
Best would be some kind of "camper's backpack" where the weight is transferred to the person's hips through the hip straps. Those bags can allow people to carry 20kg or so somewhat easily. The back packs I've seen are tubular in shape and might not have a wide enough mouth to accept the shape of most bass combos.
I'd like to get a back pack that could fit an Acoustic Image Coda. The weight is only 10-11kg, but the shape is an issue.
Any ideas?
Best would be some kind of "camper's backpack" where the weight is transferred to the person's hips through the hip straps. Those bags can allow people to carry 20kg or so somewhat easily. The back packs I've seen are tubular in shape and might not have a wide enough mouth to accept the shape of most bass combos.
I'd like to get a back pack that could fit an Acoustic Image Coda. The weight is only 10-11kg, but the shape is an issue.
Any ideas?
